AUS vs IND 2024: David Warner Praises Sam Konstas Amid Clash with Kohli and Bumrah

Former opener David Warner has praised young Sam Konstas and called on Australia's senior players to play with the same aggression against Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a dominant force with the ball in the current series. The 19-year-old was crucial in establishing the mood since he didn't hesitate to go on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, smashing him for 34 runs in his opening spell.

For the Prime Minister's XI, Sam Konstas had amassed 107 from 97 balls against India. In addition to reaching two hundred in the Sheffield Shield and breaking the 50-run mark in his Big Bash League debut for the Sydney Thunder, he had also scored an undefeated 73 against India A at the MCG.

David Warner backs Sam Konstas:

India Today quotes Warner, “It was very special. People are going to criticise him as well. That's the nature of the beast, that's the way he is going to play. When someone like Bumrah is bowling at you, you have to try and execute it somehow. What he did in the Prime Minister's XI shows he has that talent. But it also shows he is brave."

Konstas' on-field sledge fights garnered media attention in addition to his batsmanship. The courageous young player was captured on camera mimicking the shoulder-bump incident with the Australian fans after getting into a heated argument with Virat Kohli during the first innings. Later in the game, he also sledged Yashasvi Jaiswal, so he wasn't done yet. He is actually considered a true heir to David Warner because of his on-field theatrics.

The senior hitters' strategy in the fourth Test did not sit well with Warner. He said that Bumrah, who took nine wickets overall, is difficult for the more seasoned players to play. Steve Smith tried to play differently, but he expects the top order to contribute more, the 38-year-old said. The New South Wales native believes that in order to get acceptable outcomes, the other cricket players—aside from Smith and Head—must have courage.

Watch this space for more cricket news.